Laid up 1930 in the River Blackwater
Spring 1932 left the river, converted for cruising with the hull repainted white, and did a series of short cruises from Liverpool.
Converted in 1939 to armed merchant cruiser and renamed HMS VOLTAIRE
Lost 9 Apr 1941 to enemy action by the German raider KMS THOR
There is a good history of the VANDYCK and VOLTAIRE in Sea Breezes January 1979.
Vessel in the 1931 Oyster Company ledger - she was already in the river when the ledger starts. 7 May 1932 left fishery.
Arrival date from Voyage Record Card.

"Haven of Rest" by Douglas Gurton lists the vessel but has no further info. See DJG_SHP

Tonnage:

13,500 gross

Built:

1923

Type:

Passenger ship

Owner:

Lamport & Holt

Official No:

147238

ID

1147238

Above: VOLTAIRE laid up in River Blackwater off Bradwell 1931 Date: 1931.Source: John Leather Collection

Above: The Shore, Bradwell on Sea. The ship second from the left is believed to be the VOLTAIRE. Date: Before May 1932.Source: Mersea Museum / Ian Clarke Collection

Above: North Creek, Bradwell-on-Sea. The VOLTAIRE is believed to be the vessel on the left. Date: 1932.Source: Mersea Museum / Ian Clarke Collection

Above: Ships laid up in River Blackwater off Tollesbury. VOLTAIRE is just left of centre - she left the river 7 May 1932. Date: 1931.Source: Mersea Museum / Peter Bibby Collection

Above: A Pretty Spot, Bradwell Quay. Postcard 122864.
Prominent on the left is the Shaw Savill TAIROA and on the right is Lamport & Holt's VOLTAIRE. Behind the TAIROA is an unidentified Houlder Bros vessel, and far right is a Blue Star vessel.
VOLTAIRE was in the River October 1930 to May 1932. Date: cNovember 1930.Source: Mersea Museum / Ian Clarke Collection